The new Ohio University Lancaster | Pickerington Endowed Scholarship Wall is a symbol of the lives that have been changed by scholarships on campus and the lives that will be changed in the future. The wall was dedicated on Friday evening in front of many donors and is a permanent way to thank those who have funded those scholarships.

“We gather tonight for a variety of reasons but first and foremost we are here to thank and celebrate all of you and your dedication and commitment to the students at Ohio University Lancaster Campus and Pickerington Center,” Lancaster Campus Dean Jim Smith told those in attendance. “I know each of you has been impacted by the Lancaster Campus in some way. For some, this campus meant the only opportunity for a college education. For others, OUL was your launching pad that gave you the start you needed to pursue your degree, and for our corporate partners, this campus is a community asset that fosters economic growth and educational vitality within Fairfield County. Your reasons for starting a scholarship at OUL may go even deeper than this, but regardless of your motivation you are making a difference.”

The wall is located on the third floor of Brasee Hall in the Student Services office. It lists all the endowed scholarships at Ohio University Lancaster | Pickerington. There are also pictures of donors who have made great contributions and students who have benefited from those contributions.

“This wall highlights all the benefactors who created endowments for OUL within the Ohio University Foundation,” said Smith. “These funds will live in perpetuity at OU and will continue to change lives and transform our community long after all of us.”

“I’ve been privileged to work with almost everyone in this room, and there is no greater thrill than sitting down with people like you and carefully drafting a new scholarship that reflects the hopes and dreams you have for our students,” said OUL Development Director Mandi Custer.

The scholarship wall dedication preceded the annual scholarship recognition banquet held in the Brasee Hall gym. Recipients of scholarships sat with their donors for dinner and were recognized. They also heard a special message from Ohio University Graduate and Promise Lives Campaign Chair Chuck Stuckey. Stuckey attended Ohio University Lancaster while pursuing his bachelor’s degree. He is also the co-benefactor for the Charles R. & Marilyn Y. Stuckey OUL Scholarship.

“My family was a middle class family. My parents made a good income, but there were six kids in our family, and the funds for college just weren’t there,” Stuckey said. “Ohio University Lancaster was my answer to that. I could start my college education here and live at home.”

Stuckey earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1966, was chairman, president and CEO of RSA Security Inc., until 2003 and was director on the board until 2006 when RSA was acquired by EMC Corp. RSA is a leading supplier of technology and products for user authentication and for securing transactions on the internet.

The scholarship banquet ended with a performance by Ohio University A capella ensemble Section 8. Those interested in finding a scholarship may contact Mandi Custer at OUL by calling 740.654.6711 ext. 234 or emailing custera@ohio.edu.